Norfolk - Old Dominion University athletic director Jim Jarrett announced today that men's basketball head coach Blaine Taylor has accepted an extension of his contract through the 2014-15 season.

"Blaine has done an outstanding job of directing our men's basketball program," says Jarrett. "His leadership on the court and in the community the past seven years is outstanding and this extension will insure the success of our program for many years to come."

Taylor, who enters his eighth season at Old Dominion with a 136-84 (.618) record, had two years remaining on his current five year contract, which was expanded to seven years.

"President Runte has overseen such a dynamic time in our University history, and I feel a great sense of humility in being part of this growth," says Taylor.

"What has become obvious in the last few years, is that when you compare this place and this program across the board with others, we are now in a position that I never dreamed of when I first arrived on campus, "said Taylor, the 2005 CAA Coach of the Year."

The Monarch program has won a school record 94 games the last
four years earning post season play each of those years. ODU won the Colonial Athletic Association Championship in 2005 (28-6) and
advanced to the NCAA tournament. The Monarchs earned an at- large bid to the NCAA's in 2007 (24-9), and reached the semi-finals of the NIT in 2006 (24-10).This past season, ODU (18-16 )advanced to the quarterfinals of the inaugural College Basketball Invitational.

"There is no way I can thank all the people that are responsible for this situation and the state of affairs that exists in our program. But I would be remiss if I did not mention the University vice presidents and the leadership in athletics. Dr. Jarrett has to have as one of his greatest achievements, the completion of the Constant Center, and witnessing the growth of the ODU community. I take great pride in being a part of our history. "

Overall, Taylor is 278-149 (.651) in 14 years as a collegiate head coach.